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Mothers’ Perceptions of Childhood Immunizations in First Nations Communities of the Sioux Lookout Zone

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Abstract

Objective: Low uptake of childhood immunizations is a problem in many First Nations communities. This article describes the results of a study that examined mothers’ perceptions of childhood immunizations and the factors that influence uptake.

Method: Person-centred interviews focussing on childhood immunizations and child health were conducted with 28 mothers of young children in two First Nations communities in the Sioux Lookout Zone. Content analysis was applied to the interview data and patterns and themes were developed.

Results: Data analysis identified four key factors as negatively influencing immunization uptake: knowledge barriers, the influence of others, vaccine barriers, and missed opportunities.

Conclusions: Further research with Elders and community members along with culturally sensitive education initiatives are required to address low immunization uptake. Changes in health professionals’ behaviours may serve to reduce missed opportunities.

Résumé

Objectif: Le but de cette recherche était l’examen du problème du faible taux de vaccination des enfants dans les communautés des Premières Nations. Spécifiquement, l’étude requiert une étude qui permet d’identifier les perceptions des mères dans les communautés des Premières Nations à l’égard de la vaccination des enfants, et les facteurs qui en influencent la représentation.

Conclusions: Vingt-huit mères de jeunes enfants dans deux communautés des Premières Nations de la région de Sioux Lookout ont participé à des entrevues personnalisées centrées sur la vaccination et la santé des enfants. On a procédé à une analyse de contenu sur les données recueillies lors des entrevues, puis des schémas et des thèmes ont été développés à partir de là.

Conclusions: L’analyse des données a permis d’identifier quatre facteurs clés responsables du faible taux de participation aux vaccinations; la barrière du savoir, l’influence des autres, la barrière des vaccins, et les occasions manquées.

Conclusions: Des recherches plus poussées avec des aînés et des membres de la communauté, ainsi que sur des initiatives d’enseignement liées au milieu culturel sont nécessaires pour parler du faible taux de participation aux vaccinations. Des changements dans les comportements des professionnels de la santé peuvent servir à réduire les occasions manquées.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nursing Studies, University of Hong Kong, G/F, Block B, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Rd., Hong Kong

    Marie Tarrant RN, MN (Lecturer)

  2. Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Canada

    David Gregory RN, PhD (Professor and Dean)

Authors
  1. Marie Tarrant RN, MN
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  2. David Gregory RN, PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marie Tarrant RN, MN.

Additional information

Formerly Community Health Nurse, Medical Services Branch, Health Canada, Sioux Lookout, ON

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Tarrant, M., Gregory, D. Mothers’ Perceptions of Childhood Immunizations in First Nations Communities of the Sioux Lookout Zone. Can J Public Health 92, 42–45 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03404842

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